Eric Aft

Eric Aft serves as an adjunct faculty member at Salem College in the Not-for-Profit and Arts Management Department.

Professionally, Eric joined the United Way of Forsyth County in Winston-Salem as vice president of community planning and investment in September 2004 and was promoted to chief operating officer in May 2009. In this role, he oversees the investment of over $12 million of donated funds to address critical community issues and he manages another $2 million in grants mainly targeting homelessness and education.

He has served in the United Way system since 1990, including eleven years as chief professional officer at two different United Ways. His current focus includes the creation of cross-sector initiatives, exploration of place-based community development strategies, and supporting his daughter’s field hockey teams.

Eric holds a master of health administration degree from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor of arts degree from Rhodes College. Eric, his wife Lisa, and children Avery and Claire live in Pfafftown, North Carolina.